Countdown Hopes Alive

DEARBORN, August 12, 2009 : After a few weeks away from the drag strip, Bob Tasca III and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing team return to Brainerd for the 28th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals with hopes of moving up the points ladder, clinching a spot in the crucial Countdown, and bringing home another Wally.

With only three races left until the start of the Countdown, Tasca feels confident in his Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang and team.

“We feel a win is just around the corner for us,” said Tasca. “We’ve been very competitive. We made it to the finals in Norwalk, reached the quarterfinals three times in a row, and lost in Sonoma by an eyelash, but we had Mustang that could win the race. That is such a confidence booster for everybody on the team to know rolling into every race with a Motorcraft/Quick Lane Shelby Mustang that can win.”

Last year Tasca qualified 13th in Brainerd and lost in the second round to Tim Wilkerson. This year, Tasca is eager to race in Brainerd and considers the new surface a learning opportunity.

“Brainerd is race track that poses its challenges,” said Tasca. “It’s a brand new track surface, which was has just been paved, similar to Norwalk, and we all remember how difficult it was to race in Norwalk.”

In Sonoma, Funny Car drivers Tony Pedregon, Ron Capps and Ashley Force Hood secure their spots in the Countdown. This weekend in Brainerd, Tasca, currently in sixth place, hopes to do the same.

“If we win one round in Brainerd, we’re locked in to the Countdown, but it’s not about getting locked in this weekend,” said Tasca. “I want to finish this two-race stretch strong. Our focus is to move up the ladder. We’re not resting on our laurels. Last year at this time, our Championship hopes were over. This year, our Championship hopes are alive and well, but its just not about making the top 10, it’s about solidly placing in the top 10 and to get every point we can.”